Governor Greg Gianforte has appointed Eric Strauss as the new Director of the Montana Department of Corrections, effective January 6th. This announcement follows the nomination of the current director, Brian Gootkin, by President Donald J. Trump to serve as a United States Marshal for the District of Montana.
“Eric has been a strong leader who will carry on Director Gootkin’s progress at the Department of Corrections,” stated Gov. Gianforte in a press release. “He’s committed to overseeing the historic investments we’ve made into our correctional facilities and building the future of corrections in Montana. I’m grateful to Director Gootkin for his service to the State of Montana, and I look forward to seeing what Eric accomplishes in this role.”
Strauss has been serving as the deputy director of the Department of Corrections since December 2024. Previously, he held the position of administrator for the Employment Standards Division at the Montana Department of Labor and Industry for nine years. Additionally, Strauss has served as the Director of Organizational Excellence at St. Peter’s Hospital.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by Governor Gianforte’s trust in me to serve as the next Director of the Montana Department of Corrections,” said Strauss. “I want to thank Director Gootkin for his leadership and dedication to public safety and rehabilitation. I look forward to building on the Department’s strong foundation and working alongside our dedicated staff and community partners to ensure a safer, more effective corrections system for all Montanans.”
A native of northeastern Montana, Strauss graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Montana. He also holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the same university. Currently, Strauss serves as a board member of Shodair Children’s Hospital and has previously been a board member for the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity and a commissioner on the Commission on Community Service. He resides in Clancy with his wife and two children.
By Karen Anderson: December 24, 2025 – Helena, Mt
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
